Norwich: Village hall in Arminghall could be demolished

But in a community just three miles outside of Norwich, it has caused one of the region's biggest disputes. 

The battleground was set almost two years ago when plans were submitted by the parish council to demolish Arminghall's much-loved former village hall. 

The beloved village in Arminghall (Image: Daniel Grimmer)

The proposals would see the retired "community asset" replaced with a new two-bedroom chalet bungalow. 

But now, it appears members of Caistor St Edmund and Bixley Parish Council are torn on whether the authority's plans should be withdrawn. 

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"Our parishioners want to keep it," said Cllr Paul Chapman.

"They have told me they would rather see it renovated and brought back into use. 

"Especially given the plans for 180 new homes. 

Plans for the chalet (Image: South Norfolk Council)

"Building a bungalow on such a small site isn't viable either. 

"At the end of the day, they are our parishioners and we need to serve them."

A petition to save the hall has amassed more than 20 pages of signatures - with a group known as 'Save Arminghall Village Hall' also being established.

"What an awful proposal to demolish this rare survival," one local wrote to South Norfolk Council. 

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"The historic and architectural importance of such humble buildings means that where they survive in anything like their original condition they are worthy of 'listing'.

"I sincerely hope this application is refused."

Such local backlash prompted Cllr Chapman to propose withdrawing the plans at the last full council meeting. 

But this motion was voted down three votes to two, with some members arguing too much money had already been spent on architectural fees.

The village hall is currently not in use (Image: Daniel Grimmer)

"It is a characterful old building which makes a substantial and positive contribution to the character of the village," another local wrote to South Norfolk Council. 

"And the hall is the only community space in the village."

Jeanette Utting, chair of the parish council, said she was neither in favour nor against the application - and stressed that it was just one of many options being considered for the site. 

"It had been decided that the village hall has come to the end of its natural life," she added.

"If it is approved, then we will discuss the plans further.

"But this is just one of a number of ideas for the building and nothing has been decided."